Energy & Sustainability

Major Differences in Operating Costs

Here is an example of the cost savings when replacing halogen lamps with LED lights in an existing system.

Kansas City Cost per Kilowatt Hour

As of January 1st, 2013, the average general use rate per kilowatt hour for most common residences in Kansas City, KS. is $.10 per kWh (KCP&L, 2013).

As of January 1st, 2013, the average general use rate per kilowatt hour for most common residences in Kansas City, MO. is $.12 per kWh (KCP&L, 2013).

An average outdoor lighting system that comes on at dusk and shuts off at dawn will be on for approximately 8 hours each night during the summer and 12 hours each night during the winter.

During the summer, an average outdoor lighting system will be on for approximately 7 hrs. Per night (1,277 hrs.) during the summer and 10 hrs. per night 1,825 hrs. during the winter which amounts to 3,102 hours per year.

Kilowatt hours for a 20 watt halogen lamp = .02 Kilowatts per hr.

Based on the above mentioned yearly average usage hours for a low-voltage lighting system, one 20 watt halogen lamp would use approximately 3,102 hrs. X .02 Kilowatts = 62.04 Kilowatt hours per year.

KCK = $6.20 per year per each 20 watt Halogen lamp. KCMO = $7.44 per year per each 20 watt Halogen lamp.

In comparison, Kilowatt hour usage for a 5 Watt LED lamp = .005 Kilowatts per hr.

Based on the above listed yearly average usage hours for a low-voltage lighting system, one 5 Watt LED lamp would use approximately 3,102 hrs. X .005 Kilowatts = 15.51 Kilowatt hrs. per year.

KCK = $1.55 per year for per each 5 Watt LED lamp. KCMO = $1.86 per year per each 5 watt LED lamp.

To portray this difference in a more economically meaningful perspective, it would cost approximately $136.40 per year to power a 20 fixture halogen lighting system compared to $34.10 per year to power a 20 fixture LED lighting system.

Converting a 20 fixture system from halogen to LED would result in an approximate cost savings of $102.30 per year.

Life Expectancy and Energy Usage Comparisons

Kansas City Cost per Kilowatt Hour

The average halogen lamp has a life expectancy between 2,250 – 3,500 hrs. (AVE. 2,875)

The average LED lamp can have a life expectancy between 25,000 – 30,000 hrs. (AVE. 27,500)

By the time that an LED lamp reaches the end of its life cycle, one would have replaced 9 or more halogen equivalents and used approximately 550 kWH.

Environmental and Sustainability Impacts

Think of the environmental impacts of using incandescent, halogen and compact fluorescent (CFL) lighting options compared to LED. Based on the energy and resources required to produce traditional light bulbs and lamps, the product lifecycles are much less sustainable than LED alternatives. Based on the above mentioned life expectancy comparison, consumers have the option of sending one LED lamp or nine halogen lamps to a landfill. Most responsible consumers consider the environmental impacts of their purchase decisions. By choosing LED alternatives, consumers can reduce the demand for halogen and incandescent lighting products. This can allow lighting solution manufacturers to reduce the consumption of resources required to produce and package these products. The sustainability and energy savings benefits of using LED lamps outweigh the higher costs of LED products. For more information about the environmental impacts of LED, CFL, and incandescent light bulbs, pleas click on the following link.